The Texans realize this is just business, per McClain, and there are no hard feelings toward their franchise icon. But the organization also firmly believes they are better off with Johnson on the roster, and they are determined to see him finish his career in a Houston uniform.

From a financial perspective, they don't want to hand over Johnson's $1 million workout bonus or guarantee his 2015 salary for fear of setting a precedent to be used by J.J. Watt's agent in the future.